graceful

adjective

grace·​ful ˈgrās-fəl 

1

: displaying grace (see grace entry 1 sense 1) in form or action : pleasing or attractive in line, proportion, or movement

a graceful dancer

the graceful neck of a swan

2

: exhibiting control, good manners, or kindness

As his empire crumbled amid the … scandal, he defiantly refused a graceful exit.

—Jonathan Alter et al.

gracefully

ˈgrās-fə-lē 

adverb

gracefulness noun

Synonyms of graceful

• agile
• nimble
• balletic
• gracile
• lithe
• lithesome
• spry
• lissome
• feline

Examples of graceful in a Sentence

He has become a very graceful dancer.

the graceful movements of a ballerina

She was a graceful young woman with delicate features.

the long, graceful neck of a swan

His writing is clear and graceful.

There was no graceful way to say no to their offer.

Recent Examples on the Web

Although this year’s edition of the Oscars, which aired on ABC on March 15, was hardly in the class of the 1972 installment, there was at least one moment that recalled Johnson’s witty, graceful sendup of stars commandeering the ceremony to climb atop their soapbox. —Peter Tonguette, The Washington Examiner, 20 Mar. 2026

Which is how Tabebuia Umbellata, the graceful little tree with the butter-yellow blossoms, came to help glorify springtime in Orlando. —Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 16 Mar. 2026

The performance includes the mesmerizing skills of fire poi dancers plus graceful choreography performed Polynesian dancers wearing traditional costumes. —Ben Davidson, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026

Your graceful mindset calms tension, while a tidy workspace restores focus and keeps cooperation smooth. —Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see grace entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for graceful

• disgraceful
• ungraceful